No. 38.— 1889.] THE DUTCH IN CEYLON, 1602-1757. 59 



Makoene and Barberyn, when this ola is shown them, not to 

 hold any intercourse with the Netherlanders, to pay no taxes 

 to them as heretofore, and not to permit any of their people 

 to serve in the forts. Any one acting in contravention of 

 this order will be severely punished : therefore let every one 

 come here to me. 



After this, later tidings arrived from Caliture of the 

 wounding of three persons, a man, a woman, and a slave, 

 that the Candian soldiers were ravaging the country, that all 

 those who were unable to elude the pursuit were being carried 

 off, and that the rest had been pursued as far as the river ; 

 also that two Araatchies stationed at Alikan had issued orders 

 for all the inhabitants to appear before them within three 

 days ; and finally that two Lascoreens and 42 coolies, while 

 on their way from Caliture to Colombo, had been surprised 

 by robbers and taken into the interior. 



It was therefore resolved to despatch a force of 200 soldiers 

 to Bentotte, for the protection of the inhabitants and the 

 cinnamon peelers. 



At Nigombo things were no better, as His Majesty had 

 managed by presents and promises of honours to bring the 

 Pattangatyn of Cocquielle over to his side ; and thus not only 

 were many difficulties encountered everywhere, but even 

 at the church called Guia de Lobo, was found an ola con- 

 taining the following: — 



The town of Colombo is now conquered. The promise 

 was given that it would be surrendered to His Majesty, but 

 this promise not having been fulfilled, has caused some 

 disturbances. We desire neither to share the blame nor take 

 part in the quarrel ; but we are convinced of His Majesty's 

 goodwill towards the Holland nation, and should you now 

 feel inclined to send a messenger to His Majesty, it will be 

 allowed and a free conduct will be granted him. 



Heer van der Meyden and his Council having deliberated 

 over all this, considered it their duty to inform His Majesty 

 by letter of these unlawful acts and wicked plunderings. 



